Arsenal Reserves: Watts second half strike secures three points for Reserves.
Arsenal hosted Blackburn on Tuesday night in what was a frustrating night for both sides. The team sheet included last weeks debutants Aneke, Ozyakup and Ryo (who is still short of fitness)! Neil Banfield decided to try last weeks unused sub Nico Yennaris in an unfamiliar central midfield spot, with under 18’s Monakana, Ansah and Bihmoutine all getting places on the bench.
The game started slow with both teams trying to grab early goals, but Arsenal dominated possession for the first half, but lacked the spark to create clear-cut chances! Although Ozyakup was showing signs of his brilliant vision.
There was chances though for Freeman, latching onto a clever ball from Yennaris but couldn’t find the finish, closely putting it wide. Next up was Watt who was set up by Ryo, who received it from Freeman, after a superb run from the fast, tricky forward.
Despite controlling the game, the Gunners could have been one goal down after Grant Hanleys headed over young, promising keeper Martinez, but Arsenal managed to clear off the line.
After a goalless first half, a chance arose when Aneke, who was playing slightly deeper, picked out Watt. But Watt didn’t manage to catch up to it and Blackburn keeper Urwin easily gathered.
It was obvious that Ryo was lacking fitness and was replaced by under- 18 player Monakana just after 60 minutes, as Banfield looked to penetrate a stubborn Blackburn defence.
Just as it was looking to be a repeat of the first half, Ozyakup showed why he was handed his debut last week when he found Watt inside the box after some excellent skill and Watt fired powerfully into the bottom corner to give the Young Gunners a 1-0 lead.
Blackburn tried to get a foothold in the game with captain Hanley being a threat once again in the game, coming close at the back post before firing a powerful strike just wide of the post. Arsenal showed there building resilience by holding onto the lead after an exciting final 10 minutes.
Securing all three points see them increase the lead at the top of the Reserve League South with Chelsea appearing to be the only real threat to the top spot. They next host Swansea on Monday, October 3rd.
By Luke Shephard.
Thank you once again for reading my article and remember to follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/DotShephard!
God bless all Gooners!
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We have a great team for the future..arsenal for life!
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Everyone always moans about Wenger playing kids. But this season more than any it seems may see us relying on them to make up the first team.
Would be great if we had Arsenal TV, like Liverpool do with LFCtv. They show all the youth matches. Would be great to see the Young Guns play week in week out.
Maybe it’ll happen…
Arsenal till I die
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
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What would be great is to have the premier league clubs increase the match day program by including fixtures between their respective U-18 & reserve teams…
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Did you watch CL?World class United and City-very,very good joke!
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Alright guys,
Nice report. I was interested who the younguns are performing considering we have a lot on the brink of first team football i think.
In reference to @Gooner Luke, I am an Arsenal fan and work this site called LocateTV, we have just launched team pages where u can see whenever Arsenal are on TV, not just live games, highlights, previews and classic games. It also picks up anytime Arsenal reserves are playing on LiverpoolTV or ManU TV. Its pretty useful and covers a lot. Check it out http://www.locatetv.com/sport/football/team/arsenal/87
We are ironing out a few bugs but its looking good so far. I am looking into who televises reserve football, as someone must film the games.
Anyways, cant tell you how much I would love us to beat the yids at the weekend.
Up the Gooners
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Can not wait to see these young guns in the next two years scorin goals left right and centre
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@Matt Gunner
Thanks for the link, I’m sure plenty of people will check it out.
Sounds very useful, not a bad idea.
Thanks again
Luke
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